Cleaning & CareInstructions

Island Stone North America, Inc.Ph 800.371.0001 Fax 831.464.3804

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Island Stone tiles are made with a variety of natural stone and glass materials. With proper installation, fol lowed with a qual i ty seal ing treatment and periodic cleaning, these t i l e s w i l l g i ve many yea rs o f satisfaction.

Natural stone and glass tiles are extremely durable and very easy to care for. The following guidelines will assure that your tiles give you many years of service.

penetrating sealers for natural stone• All natural stone should have a penetrating sealer applied after installation. • There are many companies that make quality penetrating sealers that protect against stains without changing the color of the stone.• Another option is color-enhancing sealers that offer both penetrating protection and brighten the color of the stone.• Sealers vary from brand to brand in the way they perform. It is up to the individual to choose the product that best achieves the finished look that is being sought.• Make a test on left-over material before application of your chosen sealer to ensure compatibility.• Clean all stone before sealing. Any smudge or stain could become permanent if sealers are applied over them.• Penetrating sealers should be a p p l i e d i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r installation and the initial clean-up t o e n s u r e t h a t n o s t a i n s inadvertently become sealed in.

• Follow the sealer manufacturers recommendations for a good finish to your project.

cleaning of natural stone• Use pH balanced cleaners or soap-less detergents and soft bristle brushes for daily cleaning. Immediately wipe all spills. • Most sealer brands have specific cleaning solutions applicable for natural stone.• If heavy duty cleaning is required, first try to solve with pH balanced cleaners, which can include scouring cleaners and poultices that help extract the stain. Always test abrasive or untested cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area to evaluate if it is suitable for the tile.• If an acidic cleaner is deemed necessary, a light solution of sulfamic acid is the safest and most recommended in cleaning difficult stone or grout problems. Be sure to rinse the area well after cleaning.

glass tile sealing• Glass tile is impervious to liquids and sealers.• Sanded grout used in a glass tile project should have a penetrating sealer applied even though it will have no effect on the glass tile itself. Urethane or epoxy grouts do not require sealers.

• Only a water based sealer should be used, as this will allow a quick clean-up on the glass tile surface after application. Use of proper tools for application to the grout lines of the penetrating sealer is recommended.• Use a soft cloth or sponge with water will clean most glass tile areas because of the nonporous nature of the product. • For more stubborn cleanups, commercially available ceramic tile cleaners may be applicable.

cleaning glass tile• Use a soft cloth or sponge with water to clean most glass tile areas. The nonporous nature of glass makes it impervious to stains. • Be careful not to use and overly abrasive cleaning utensil.• For more stubborn cleanups, commercially available ceramic tile cleaners may be applicable.

sealer maintenance schedule• Follow the chosen sealing company's recommendations for regular resealing of natural stone tile. • This is usually once a year and requires a thorough cleaning beforehand.

reference• www.aquamix.com• www.miraclesealants.com

natural stone & glass